James Arness, known for his iconic role as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon, made his breakthrough into fame with the Western television show “Gunsmoke.” Beyond securing a stable job, Arness became part of a close-knit family with the show’s cast. The camaraderie among the cast members was strong, fostering deep connections over the years.
However, during the premiere episode of “Gunsmoke,” the cast experienced an unexpected surprise that left them all in shock when they watched it together. This surprising moment highlighted the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry and the genuine bond among the cast members, enhancing their collective experience and contributing to the show’s enduring legacy.
‘Gunsmoke’ first premiered in 1955
“Gunsmoke” first aired as a radio show on April 26, 1952, captivating listeners with its Western tales set in Dodge City. Recognizing its potential for a broader audience, the show transitioned to television on September 10, 1955. This move necessitated a recasting of the vibrant characters to suit the visual medium, despite the original radio cast’s perfect portrayal of their roles.
The principal television cast of “Gunsmoke” included James Arness as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon, Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, and Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode. While radio fans were initially disappointed by the absence of the familiar voices they had grown to love, they quickly embraced the new actors. The television cast not only captured the essence of the original characters but also brought a new dynamic to the series, ensuring its enduring popularity and success.
James Arness and the ‘Gunsmoke’ cast didn’t expect to see John Wayne introduce the show
James Arness and the rest of the “Gunsmoke” cast were in for a significant surprise when they discovered that legendary Western movie star John Wayne had introduced the show to the world. Arness had previously worked under Wayne’s contract, and the two had developed a strong friendship during that time. Wayne, recognizing Arness’s potential, had released him from the contract and encouraged him to take on the role of Matt Dillon on “Gunsmoke.”
In an interview with the Archive of American Television, Arness recalled the special moment when he and the cast watched the show’s premiere at his house and saw Wayne’s introduction. Arness expressed his surprise, stating, “I didn’t ask him. Not at all. In fact, I was really surprised when they said that he had done that. He [filmed] that, we didn’t know about it at all. They did that intro somewhere else on some picture he was doing, and I don’t think, actually, that we knew about it until it came on the air that night. I think they were kinda holding it as a surprise.”
Wayne’s introduction added a significant boost to the show’s debut, lending it additional credibility and excitement. The cast’s genuine surprise and delight upon seeing Wayne’s endorsement highlighted the strong bonds and unexpected moments that made “Gunsmoke” a memorable and cherished series.
John Wayne used his fame to boost ‘Gunsmoke’
John Wayne’s special appearance on the premiere of “Gunsmoke” wasn’t just a surprise for James Arness and the cast; it also captivated audiences nationwide. Wayne’s recognizable face and endorsement provided a significant boost to the show’s buzz, helping to establish its success from the outset. Here’s a look at Wayne’s introduction, where he praised Arness and the show:
“Good evening. My name’s Wayne. Some of you may have seen me before; I hope so. I’ve been kicking around Hollywood a long time. I’ve made a lot of pictures out here, all kinds, and some of them have been Westerns. And that’s what I’m here to tell you about tonight: a Western—a new television show called ‘Gunsmoke.’ No, I’m not in it. I wish I were, though, because I think it’s the best thing of its kind that’s come along. I hope you’ll agree with me. It’s honest, it’s adult, it’s realistic. When I first heard about the show ‘Gunsmoke,’ I knew there was only one man to play in it: James Arness. He’s a young fella and may be new to some of you, but I’ve worked with him, and I predict he’ll be a big star. And now I’m proud to present my friend Jim Arness in ‘Gunsmoke.'”
Wayne’s heartfelt endorsement not only introduced the new series but also vouched for Arness’s talent and potential, setting the stage for “Gunsmoke” to become one of television’s most beloved Westerns.
